The kuromontsuki haori hakama is the highest-ranking traditional attire for men in Japan, often reserved for major formal milestones such as weddings, tea ceremonies, and tea ceremonies.

This outfit includes a haori (a light coat) and hakama (loose trousers). The haori is typically made from black habutai (a traditional silk fabric), while the hakama is crafted from sendaihira, a refined silk from the Sendai region of Japan.

The five kamon (family crests) on the haori add an extra layer of elegance and formality to this attire, making it Japan’s top men’s formal wear.

This slightly less formal style is called the iromontsuki haori hakama. It features a colored habutai haori, paired with a nagagi (a long kimono without trousers) and sendaihira hakama.

Perfect for weddings and age ceremonies (but generally not for funerals), this attire comes in variations with five, three, or one kamon.

The fewer the kamon, the more casual the outfit—so for highly formal events, a five-kamon haori is recommended.

The haori hakama is a versatile choice for slightly less formal occasions. This style comes in two main fabrics: omeshi (a type of silk crepe) and tsumugi (woven silk). Generally, omeshi is considered more formal than tsumugi. This outfit usually has three or one kamon, indicating a lower level of formality than the iromontsuki style.

For daily wear or tourist experiences, full ceremonial wear is replaced by lighter, comfortable styles.

・Nagagi: This is a style that doesn’t include trousers like the hakama. It’s more casual and can be paired with either omeshi or tsumugi fabric. You can mix and match the haori and nagagi to your preference, creating a unique look that still feels elegant.

・Kinagashi: On informal occasions, a man can wear a kimono without the haori coat—this is known as kinagashi. This is a simpler, more comfortable way to wear a kimono, perfect for anyone who wants to try out the traditional look in a more relaxed setting.

Renting a men's kimono in Tokyo is one of the best ways to experience Japanese culture while exploring historic neighborhoods like Asakusa and Meiji Jingu. Rental shops handle dressing, styling, and footwear (zori or geta), offering hassle-free packages tailored for visitors.

Located just 10 seconds on foot from Senso-ji Temple's Nitenmon Gate, Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photography by KIMONO-U provides men's kimono and traditional hakama rentals with professional dressing service offered in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Each package includes setta sandals and complimentary access to an indoor studio equipped with props like samurai swords and Japanese umbrellas for self-photography. Afterward, guests can step outside to explore historic Asakusa or upgrade on the spot to a professional studio or outdoor location photoshoot.

Offered by an officially certified Tokyo Tourist Information Center with English, Mandarin, and Japanese-speaking staff, the Asakusa Kimono Rental Experience by Tokyo Aiwafuku features dedicated men's kimono, yukata, and formal black montsuki hakama rentals complete with professional dressing. The store comfortably caters to various builds with sizes up to 4L at no additional charge and provides complimentary storage for large carry-on luggage. Once dressed, guests can head out to explore Asakusa or enhance their outing with optional add-ons like professional photo shoots, makeup, or rickshaw rides.

Available across five central Tokyo branches including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza, the VASARA Kimono and Yukata Rental in Tokyo provides dedicated men's kimono and yukata packages complete with a speedy 5-minute professional dressing service. Supported by in-store guides and staff assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, each rental includes a full traditional outfit set, sandals, and built-in damage protection insurance. After getting fitted, guests can store their luggage on-site and step out to explore and take photos around iconic Tokyo landmarks.

With its preserved traditional streets, wooden machiya townhouses, and iconic temples, Kyoto is the perfect place to wear a kimono. Most rental shops in Gion and Kiyomizu-dera provide men's sizes ranging from casual wear to full haori hakama sets.

Located in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, Okamoto Kiyomizu Higashiyama Shop offers complete traditional men's attire supported by English and Japanese-speaking staff. Designed for heights from 155 cm to 190 cm, the package features over 300 styles to choose from and includes professional dressing, obi belts, seasonal haori jackets, zori sandals, and convenient luggage storage. After getting fitted, guests can immediately head out to explore the picturesque streets of Higashiyama and nearby landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Situated just a 5-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and 3 minutes from Ninenzaka Hill, Rinka Kimono/Rikawafuku offers dedicated Men's Kimono Packages supported by English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese-speaking staff. Each rental includes a complete traditional outfit with sandals and socks—fully stocked in men's sizes from S to XL—alongside 5-minute professional dressing and complimentary luggage storage. Once fitted, guests can immediately step out to explore Kyoto's most scenic historic districts and keep their rental until the 5:30 PM same-day return time.

Located in Kyoto's historic Gion district at Ouka Kimono Rental, the Kyoto Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Culture & Matcha Tasting Experience offers a dedicated Men's Kimono & Tea Ceremony package supported by English and Japanese-speaking instructors. Guests opting for the kimono package arrive one hour early for professional dressing before entering a tea room to learn traditional etiquette, whisk their own matcha, and savor it with wagashi sweets. Afterwards, participants can continue strolling through the atmospheric streets of Gion in full traditional attire.

When choosing a men’s kimono, consider the occasion and fabric. With these styles, you can embrace Japanese tradition in a way that feels right for you!

Illustrations courtesy of Manga de Japan